Academics
CNC Machine Operator
The CNC program provides the basic skills required for individuals seeking entry-level employment as a CNC (computer numerical control) machine operator in a manufacturing facility. Individuals will gain skills in blueprint reading, precision measurement, machining, and CNC machine operation. Individuals will learn to operate manual milling machines, lathes, and grinders and produce parts within tolerances specified on blueprints. Individuals will also learn basic CNC programming, data input, and CNC machine setup and operation.
Career Opportunities
Businesses that fabricate metal employ individuals to program and operate computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. The machine operator verifies the machine is operating correctly, manages the tooling, edits the program, and handles the materials being machined. In central Illinois, a number of businesses employ CNC operators including manufacturing companies in the Caterpillar and John Deere supply chains. Others such as Excel Foundry also employ CNC operators to machine large components for the mining and aggregate sector.
Potential area employers include: Caterpillar, Morton Welding, Excel Foundry, Premier Fabrication, Multax, SMF, Parsons, and many more.
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Degree
Certificate (Certificate Program)
Total Credit Hours: 9
Program Requirements
Select a course number below to see a course description.
Required Program Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| MACTR 110 | PRINT READING - MECHANICAL | 3 |
| MACTR 121 | MACHINE TOOL OPERATION I | 3 |
| NCTK 110 | INTRODUCTION TO NUMERICAL CONTROL SYSTEMS | 1 |
| NCTK 212 | CNC MACHINE OPERATION I | 2 |
Recommended Course Sequence
| Semester | Courses |
| Fall Semester 1 | MACTR 110; MACTR 121; NCTK 110; NCTK 212 |
Program Contact Information
Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Department
AIT Building
Room 209, (309) 694-5171 or (309) 694-5510
Illinois Career Cluster
Manufacturing
Career Pathway:
Production
Career Pathway
Pathway programs at ICC have a map that shows the courses/degree requirements that will lead students to their desired education and employment goals.
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
Pathway: Production, Maintenance, Installation & Repair
ICC Pathway: Machine Tool Technology
Early College
If you are a high school junior or senior, you can get a head start on your future by taking college-level courses now! Visit our Dual Credit webpage for a listing of area high schools with courses available.
Communications | English | Humanities | Mathematics | Social Science
Point of Entry
High School Diploma or GED
Getting Started: Apply to ICC | Paying for College | Career Information | Student Information
Certificate of Completion
CNC Machine Operator(9 credit hours)
Industry Credentials
NIMS
Employment Information
Machinists, CNC Machine Tool Programmer$15-20/hr
Certificate of Completion
Machinist(34 credit hours)
Industry Credentials
NIMS
Employment Information
Machinists, CNC Machine Tool Programmer$15-20/hr
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Machine Tool Technology(63 credit hours)
Industry Credentials
none
Employment Information
Machinist, Millwrights, Industrial Machinery Mechanics$22-33/hr
Occupation Bachelor Degree Transfer Options
There are no current articulation agreements to Bachelor degree programs.
Career Cluster Bachelor Degree Transfer Options
Program transfer guides layout course work to be taken at ICC and the transfer institution to complete specific programs of study or majors.
Manufacturing Engineering programs are good options for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree
General Bachelor Degree Transfer Options
General transfer agreements formalize the transfer process from ICC to other colleges and universities.
For additional transfer information:
Transfer Assistance
Useful Transfer Links
Transfer Agreements
Related Programs
Machine Tool Technology
Machinist
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mechatronics Certificate
Mechatronics Technology